The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 148.56, subdivision 1, to modify the scope of practice for optometry. It defines the practice of optometry and outlines the various activities that constitute this practice, including advertising as an optometrist, using automated testing devices, diagnosing visual system diseases, prescribing lenses and ocular exercises, and administering certain legend drugs. The bill also specifies limitations on the administration of drugs, particularly prohibiting the use of Schedule II and III oral legend drugs, oral antivirals for more than ten days, and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for more than seven days.

Additionally, the bill introduces new language that defines "surgery" according to the most recent standards set by the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons. This insertion clarifies the scope of procedures that optometrists may perform, ensuring that their practice aligns with established medical definitions and standards. The deletion of the term "invasive" from the previous law further refines the limitations on the types of procedures that optometrists can undertake.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148.56